Discussion

Blackcurrants in Vancouver or West Kootenays

Looking to buy a flat (20 lbs. or more) of blackcurrants when in season. Either near Nelson/Castlegar/Slocan Valley or as close to where the Fraser River meets the Ocean as possible (inlaws can bring them here when they visit). Could be 20 lbs. frozen too.

No-one in the Kootenays grows these for sale, as far as I can tell after living here 2 years. I'd love to make blackcurrant syrup, jam, and whatever have you...I grew up on Ribena and miss the flavour.

I found a grower in the Fraser Valley but they just sell commercially and are not interested in selling 20 lbs.

Post next summer on your local craigslist or freecycle, there may be someone near you with a few plants that they are not picking. Or plant a few bushes.

I was able to get red currants (I declined the black ones) at a local blueberry farm. It was a u-pick farm and they had a few currant bushes off to one side. They did not sell them and anyone could have them for the picking.

Hard to come by in the Okanagan, although red currants and the finicky Saskatoonberry are in abundance.

But here's a thought - Naramata's Elephant Island winery has a superb Black Currant wine that's like Ribena dressed as Lady Gaga. At $15.99 it's a bargain too - and very good with lamb, as we found out last summer. You can order it directly from their website or from the farm gate.

just browsing and came across the Elephant Island recommendation. We second this recommendation without hesitation. The family, the setting, the helpful staff, the lovely shaded patio with the "kid zone" - the whole concept is wonderful. They haven't' ripped out all the traditional orchards and put in "lifestyle" grapes - this is one of the main reasons we buy pretty much only from Elephant Island in Naramata - because they have kept some of the "old" okanagan - the blossoms, fruit trees, and low-key friendliness. A must see. They have a good website with directions. I believe some of their products are avail in select wine shops in Vanc area.

I go berry picking every year at Emma Lea Farms on Westham Island (Ladner), and black currants available for U-pick in July usually.They also sell most of their berries already picked (for a bit higher price), although I can't remember if I've seen black currants pre-picked (I'm usually there for straw, rasp and blueberries).http://www.emmaleafarms.com/Hope this helps!